懂事 dǒngshì to grow beyond the naivete of childhood
to grow beyond the naivete of childhood; to be aware of what is going on in the world; (especially of a child) sensible; thoughtful; intelligent
How to remember 懂事: 懂 understand + 事 matter = to grow beyond the naivete of childhood.
Characters
How it is used
- Of a child: sensible, thoughtful, understanding beyond their years - 这孩子真懂事 (zhè háizi zhēn dǒngshì) what a sensible, considerate child.
- Praises maturity and consideration for others, especially early in a young person; it's about social/emotional wisdom, not book smarts.
- Often used of kids who don't cause trouble and understand adults' situations. 不懂事 (bù dǒngshì) = immature/inconsiderate.
Example sentences
- 我觉得你是时候该懂事了。 Wǒ juéde nǐ shì shíhòu gāi dǒngshì le.I think it's time for you to grow up.
- 你们这些家伙真不懂事。 Nǐmen zhèxiē jiāhuo zhēn bùdǒngshì.You guys are totally clueless.